* Beaufort became big news when the '''[http://www.qaronline.org/ Queen Anne's Revenge]''', the pirate ship belonging to Blackbeard, was discovered under 20 feet of water in the Beaufort Inlet in 1996. It's still underwater, but retrieval and restoration processes are underway. Until it rises above the waves, there are various Blackbeard-related activities around town, including a walking tour around town and a display highlighting his ship in the Maritime Museum.

+

*Beaufort became big news when the '''Queen Anne's Revenge [http://www.qaronline.org/]''', the pirate ship belonging to Blackbeard, was discovered under 20 feet of water in the Beaufort Inlet in 1996. It's still underwater, but retrieval and restoration processes are underway. Until it rises above the waves, there are various Blackbeard-related activities around town, including a walking tour around town and a display highlighting his ship in the Maritime Museum.

−

* Beaufort is renowned for its dozens of '''restored historic homes'''. The Beaufort Historical Association, founded in 1960, mounts plaques on the outside of homes that are over 80 years old and which have not been greatly altered. The oldest is considered to be the Hammock House of 1698, which was once an inn that regularly served Blackbeard. The '''Beaufort Historic Site'''[http://www.beauforthistoricsite.org/] offers tours of ten of these buildings, clustered in two acres of the downtown area.

+

*Beaufort is renowned for its dozens of '''restored historic homes'''. The Beaufort Historical Association, founded in 1960, mounts plaques on the outside of homes that are over 80 years old and which have not been greatly altered. The oldest is considered to be the Hammock House of 1698, which was once an inn that regularly served Blackbeard. The '''Beaufort Historic Site'''[http://www.beauforthistoricsite.org/] offers tours of ten of these buildings, clustered in two acres of the downtown area.

−

* There's also a picturesque old cemetery, the '''Old Burying Ground'''[http://beaufort-nc.com/tours/Old_Burying_Ground/] on Ann Street, dating from 1709. Many of the gravestones are unmarked, the earliest inscriptions being from 1756. Tours are given June through September, from Tuesday through Thursday at 2:30 pm, for $6 (adults).

+

*There's also a picturesque old cemetery, the '''Old Burying Ground'''[http://beaufort-nc.com/tours/Old_Burying_Ground/] on Ann Street, dating from 1709. Many of the gravestones are unmarked, the earliest inscriptions being from 1756. Tours are given June through September, from Tuesday through Thursday at 2:30PM, for $6 (adults). However, you can visit any time of the year before sundown for free.

−

* In fact, if you're interested in all things historical, the best thing to do would be to stop by the '''Beaufort Historical Association''' at 138 Turner Street, 252-728-5225.

+

*In fact, if you're interested in all things historical, the best thing to do would be to stop by the '''Beaufort Historical Association''' at 138 Turner Street, +1-252-728-5225.

−

* The '''Beaufort waterfront''' was revitalized in the 1970s, and now boasts a wooden boardwalk by the water's edge, and lots of gift shops and restaurants. Across the waterfront, you can often see wild ponies roaming Carrot Island.

+

*The '''Beaufort waterfront''' was revitalized in the 1970s, and now boasts a wooden boardwalk by the water's edge, and lots of gift shops and restaurants. Across the waterfront, you can often see wild ponies roaming Carrot Island.

−

* The '''North Carolina Maritime Museum''', 315 Front Street, 252-728-7317, [http://www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/maritime/]. Open from 9 to 5 on weekdays, 10 to 5 on Saturdays, and 1 to 5 on Sundays; closed around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Features exhibits on the area's maritime history, artefacts recovered from the wreck of Blackbearks ''Queen Anne's Revenge'', local fossils, various types of watercraft, commercial fishing, waterfowl hunting and decoys, coastal marine life including venomous snakes, a model-ship-making shop, and much more. Boatbuilding classes are offered throughout the year.

+

*The '''North Carolina Maritime Museum''', 315 Front Street, +1-252-728-7317, [http://www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/maritime/]. Open M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM; closed around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. From towering pirate ships to modest hand-built skiffs, the NC Maritime Museum on Beaufort’s Front Street is the place to find a glimpse of North Carolina’s boating history. The Crystal Coast was built around its maritime heritage and the NC Maritime Museum serves as a vessel for passing that information and tradition from generation to generation. [http://www.nccoast.com/attractions/museums/nc-maritime-museum-in-beaufort/article_987ff7be-6b7a-11e0-8565-001cc4c03286.html]

==Do==

==Do==

+

*Go for a '''tour [http://www.tourbeaufort.com/]''' of historic Beaufort; specialties include the Ghost Walk, the Legend of Blackbeard tour, the Dolphin Adventure and airplane tours of the Crystal Coast.

−

* Go for a '''[http://www.tourbeaufort.com/ tour]''' of historic Beaufort; specialties include the Ghost Walk, the Legend of Blackbeard tour, the Dolphin Adventure and airplane tours of the Crystal Coast.

+

*Take a '''relaxing harbor tour''' [http://www.waterbugtours.com/] along the historic waterfront in a covered Captains Launch.

−

* Take a [http://www.waterbugtours.com/ '''relaxing harbor tour'''] along the historic waterfront in a covered Captains Launch.

+

*The '''Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour''' is held annually during the last weekend in June. Narrated tours take visitors through restored and under-restoration private homes, gardens and other local attractions. An antique car show is also held the same weekend. The tour starts at the Beaufort Historical Association at 138 Turner; tickets are $16 in advance, $20 at the door.

−

* The '''Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour''' is held annually during the last weekend in June. Narrated tours take visitors through restored and under-restoration private homes, gardens and other local attractions. An antique car show is also held the same weekend. The tour starts at the Beaufort Historical Association at 138 Turner; tickets are $16 in advance, $20 at the door.

+

*The '''Beaufort Music Festival''', +1-252-728-0707, [http://beaufortmusicfestival.com/]. Free admission. Comes to town for one weekend in April/May, featuring musical groups on several performance stages in town.

−

* The '''Beaufort Music Festival''', 252-728-0707, [http://beaufortmusicfestival.com/]. Free admission. Comes to town for one weekend in April/May, featuring musical groups on several performance stages in town.

+

*The nine-mile-long island of Shackleford Banks is home to the locally-famous '''Shackleford Ponies''' [http://www.shacklefordhorses.org/], the descendants of horses that reportedly swam ashore from a sinking Spanish ship in the 16th century. Today, the horses are endangered, but can be seen on cruises to the island for around $22 (adults).

−

* The nine-mile-long island of Shackleford Banks is home to the locally-famous '''Shackleford Ponies''', the descendants of horses that reportedly swam ashore from a sinking Spanish ship in the 16th century. Today, the horses are endangered, but can be seen on cruises to the island for around $22 (adults). [http://www.shacklefordhorses.org/]

+

*The '''Rachel Carson Estuarine Research Reserve''' [http://www.ncnerr.org/pubsiteinfo/siteinfo/rachelcarson/rachel_carson.htm] is a sanctuary covering 2,675 acres on a string of islands on the Taylor Creek, between Beaufort and Shackleford Banks. The reserve is also home to marine laboratories from the three main Research Triangle universities, conducting marine research and education. Features a half-mile interpretive trail highlighting the reserve's native flora and fauna, and special features. Shackleford ponies often swim across to the islands for food. The reserve can be reached by private boat from Beaufort.

−

* The '''Rachel Carson Estuarine Research Reserve''' [http://www.ncnerr.org/pubsiteinfo/siteinfo/rachelcarson/rachel_carson.htm] is a sanctuary covering 2,675 acres on a string of islands on the Taylor Creek, between Beaufort and Shackleford Banks. The reserve is also home to marine laboratories from the three main Research Triangle universities, conducting marine research and education. Features a half-mile interpretive trail highlighting the reserve's native flora and fauna, and special features. Shackleford ponies often swim across to the islands for food. The reserve can be reached by private boat from Beaufort.

+

*'''Discovery Diving Company''', 414 Orange Street, +1-252-728-2265, [http://www.discoverydiving.com/]. The shipwrecks in this area make Beaufort an appealing spot for scuba diving; charter trips are available for $60 - $110 plus equipment rental, and the company also offers classes in various types of diving (including nighttime and cavern diving), emergency rescue and underwater photography.

−

* '''Discovery Diving Company''', 414 Orange Street, 252-728-2265, [http://www.discoverydiving.com/]. The shipwrecks in this area make Beaufort an appealing spot for scuba diving; charter trips are available for $60 - $110 plus equipment rental, and the company also offers classes in various types of diving (including nighttime and cavern diving), emergency rescue and underwater photography.

Visitors often come to Beaufort to stroll along the waterfront and browse in the town's unique shops; it's a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Visitors often come to Beaufort to stroll along the waterfront and browse in the town's unique shops; it's a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

−

* '''The Bag Lady''', 413 Front Street, 252-728-4200, [http://www.bagladyofbeaufort.com/]. "Fun and funky" handbags in all sorts of unique designs; also check out the "Sun Tote", which doubles as a towel and a bag.

+

* '''The Bag Lady''', 413 Front Street, +1-252-728-4200, [http://www.bagladyofbeaufort.com/]. "Fun and funky" handbags in all sorts of unique designs; also check out the "Sun Tote", which doubles as a towel and a bag.

*'''Blackbeard's Grill and Grog''', 1644 Live Oak St, +1-252-728-3335, [http://www.blackbeardsbeaufort.com/]. Open for lunch and dinner M-Sa from 11am-10pm with a late night menu on Friday and Saturday from 10pm-2am. Free Delivery. Delicious daily specials. Offers only local seafood, fresh cut steaks, and sushi. Family friendly atmosphere. Unique Grog cocktails. Exciting nightlife every weekend.

* '''Clawson's 1905 Restaurant''', 425 Front Street, 252-728-2133, [http://www.clawsonsrestaurant.com/]. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Formerly a general store at the turn of the 20th century, now an award-winning restaurant famous for their mud pie. Offers seafood, steaks, pasta and "dirigibles" - large potatoes stuffed with vegetables, cheese, and meat or seafood.

*'''Clawson's 1905 Restaurant''', 425 Front Street, +1-252-728-2133, [http://www.clawsonsrestaurant.com/]. Open for lunch and dinner M-Sa. Formerly a general store at the turn of the 20th century, now an award-winning restaurant famous for their mud pie. Offers seafood, steaks, pasta and "dirigibles" - large potatoes stuffed with vegetables, cheese, and meat or seafood.

−

* '''Net House Restaurant''', 133 Turner Street, 252-728-2002. Hours vary by season. Arguably the best seafood restaurant in Beaufort, offering it steamed, broiled and lightly fried. Try the Down East clam chowder and their famous Key lime pie. $11.50 - $17.50.

* '''The Sandbar Restaurant and Tiki Bar''', 232 W Beaufort Rd, 252-504-7263, [http://www.thesandbar.org/ restaurant] and [http://www.clairitastikibar.com/ tiki bar]. Open daily for lunch and dinner; closed Sundays during the off season. Great views enable diners to watch the fishing boats and spectacular sunsets in the Caribbean-style outdoor bar. Live bands perform on weekends.

+

*'''The Sandbar Restaurant and Tiki Bar''', 232 W Beaufort Road, +1-252-504-7263, restaurant and tiki bar. Open daily for lunch and dinner; closed Sundays during the off season. Great views enable diners to watch the fishing boats and spectacular sunsets in the Caribbean-style outdoor bar. Live bands perform on weekends.

==Sleep==

==Sleep==

+

The very nature of Beaufort is sort of anti-giant-chain-hotel; instead, the town has several quaint bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rentals for visitors who are looking for a little something special to complete their stay.

The very nature of Beaufort is sort of anti-giant-chain-hotel; instead, the town boasts several quaint bed-and-breakfasts for visitors who are looking for a little something special to complete their stay.

* '''Carteret County Home B&B''', 299 Highway 101, 252-728-4611, [http://www.carteretcountyhomeb-b.com/]. 10 rooms. A county home dating from 1914, and Beaufort's only bed and breakfast listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Kitchenette with fridge, complimentary breakfast (juice, fruit, yogurt, warm muffins and bagels, tea and coffee), complimentary wine, two gas grills, croquet, darts and an old piano. Guest bicycles available. $85 - $105.

+

*'''Carteret County Home B&B''', 299 Highway 101, +1-252-728-4611, [http://www.carteretcountyhomeb-b.com/]. 10 rooms. A county home dating from 1914, and Beaufort's only bed and breakfast listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Kitchenette with fridge, complimentary breakfast (juice, fruit, yogurt, warm muffins and bagels, tea and coffee), complimentary wine, two gas grills, croquet, darts and an old piano. Guest bicycles available. $85 - $105.

−

* '''The Cedars by the Sea''', 305 Front Street, 252-728-7036, [http://www.cedarsinn.com/]. 12 rooms. Built around 1768, internationally recommended and awarded the title of one of North Carolina's Ten Best Inns. Private baths, antique tubs and fireplaces. $130 - $180.

+

*'''The Cedars by the Sea''', 305 Front Street, +1-252-728-7036, [http://www.cedarsinn.com/]. 12 rooms. Built around 1768, internationally recommended and awarded the title of one of North Carolina's Ten Best Inns. Private baths, antique tubs and fireplaces. $130 - $180.

−

* '''Delamar Inn Bed and Breakfast''', [http://www.bbonline.com/nc/delamarinn/]. 4 rooms. Built in 1866 and considered by many to be Beaufort's most authentic historic bed and breakfast. Antique guestrooms, three common sitting areas, an upper and lower porch, an English courtyard garden and a complimentary continental breakfast. $88 - $124.

+

*'''Delamar Inn Bed and Breakfast''', [http://www.bbonline.com/nc/delamarinn/]. 4 rooms. Built in 1866 and considered by many to be Beaufort's most authentic historic bed and breakfast. Antique guest rooms, three common sitting areas, an upper and lower porch, an English courtyard garden and a complimentary continental breakfast. $88 - $124.

−

* '''Langdon House Bed and Breakfast''', 135 Craven Street, 252-728-5499, [http://www.langdonhouse.com/]. 4 rooms. Built in 1733 with first and second floor porches, a parlor and landscaped gardens. A two-course full breakfast is served in the morning, including fresh fruit, Belgian waffles and stuffed French toast. $78 - $115 off-season, $88 - $125 peak season.

+

*'''Langdon House Bed and Breakfast''', 135 Craven Street, +1-252-728-5499, [http://www.langdonhouse.com/]. 4 rooms. Built in 1733 with first and second floor porches, a parlor and landscaped gardens. A two-course full breakfast is served in the morning, including fresh fruit, Belgian waffles and stuffed French toast. $78 - $115 off-season, $88 - $125 peak season.

* '''[[Havelock (North Carolina)|Havelock]]''', about 30 minutes north on US-70.

+

* '''[[New Bern]]''', about 1 hour north on US-70.

+

* '''[[Jacksonville (North Carolina)|Jacksonville]]''', about 1 hour west on US-24.

+

* '''[[Bath (North Carolina)|Bath]]''', about 3 hours north.

+

* '''[[Ocracoke|Ocracoke Island]]''', about 3 hours east.

−

:* '''[[Havelock]]''', about 30 minutes north on US-70.

+

{{routebox

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| image1=US-70.png

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| imagesize1=22

+

| directionl1=W

+

| majorl1=[[Raleigh]]

+

| minorl1=[[Morehead City]]

+

| directionr1=E

+

| majorr1=END

+

| minorr1=[[Atlantic (North Carolina)|Atlantic]]

+

}}

−

:* '''[[New Bern]]''', about 1 hour north on US-70.

+

[[WikiPedia:Beaufort, North Carolina]]

−

−

:* '''[[Jacksonville (North Carolina)|Jacksonville]]''', about 1 hour west on US-24.

−

−

:* '''[[Bath (North Carolina)|Bath]]''', about 3 hours north.

−

:* '''[[Ocracoke|Ocracoke Island]]''', about 3 hours east.

+

{{isPartOf|Carteret County}}

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+

{{usable}}

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==See Also==

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−

:* '''[[Beaufort, SC]]'''

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{{outline}}

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{{isIn|Crystal_Coast}}

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[[WikiPedia:Beaufort, North Carolina]]

Revision as of 15:03, 18 February 2014

Shops and historic homes in downtown Beaufort

Beaufort[5] is the easternmost town in the Crystal Coast region of Carteret County, North Carolina; the county seat; and the third-oldest town in the state. Established in 1713 on the Newport River, Beaufort was named after Henry Somerset, the Duke of Beaufort. Beaufort's two main claims to fame are its intact historical homes and its connection with the dreaded pirate Blackbeard. The town's name is pronounced differently than that of its South Carolina namesake; this Beaufort is "BO-furt" (IPA ['bou.frt]).

Contents

Get in

As with practically every other town in the area, you'll reach Beaufort via US-70, which runs through the middle of the town before turning north toward Atlantic.

Get around

See

Beaufort Historic Site

Beaufort became big news when the Queen Anne's Revenge [6], the pirate ship belonging to Blackbeard, was discovered under 20 feet of water in the Beaufort Inlet in 1996. It's still underwater, but retrieval and restoration processes are underway. Until it rises above the waves, there are various Blackbeard-related activities around town, including a walking tour around town and a display highlighting his ship in the Maritime Museum.

Beaufort is renowned for its dozens of restored historic homes. The Beaufort Historical Association, founded in 1960, mounts plaques on the outside of homes that are over 80 years old and which have not been greatly altered. The oldest is considered to be the Hammock House of 1698, which was once an inn that regularly served Blackbeard. The Beaufort Historic Site[7] offers tours of ten of these buildings, clustered in two acres of the downtown area.

There's also a picturesque old cemetery, the Old Burying Ground[8] on Ann Street, dating from 1709. Many of the gravestones are unmarked, the earliest inscriptions being from 1756. Tours are given June through September, from Tuesday through Thursday at 2:30PM, for $6 (adults). However, you can visit any time of the year before sundown for free.

In fact, if you're interested in all things historical, the best thing to do would be to stop by the Beaufort Historical Association at 138 Turner Street, +1-252-728-5225.

The Beaufort waterfront was revitalized in the 1970s, and now boasts a wooden boardwalk by the water's edge, and lots of gift shops and restaurants. Across the waterfront, you can often see wild ponies roaming Carrot Island.

The North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, +1-252-728-7317, [9]. Open M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM; closed around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. From towering pirate ships to modest hand-built skiffs, the NC Maritime Museum on Beaufort’s Front Street is the place to find a glimpse of North Carolina’s boating history. The Crystal Coast was built around its maritime heritage and the NC Maritime Museum serves as a vessel for passing that information and tradition from generation to generation. [10]

Do

Go for a tour [11] of historic Beaufort; specialties include the Ghost Walk, the Legend of Blackbeard tour, the Dolphin Adventure and airplane tours of the Crystal Coast.

Take a relaxing harbor tour[12] along the historic waterfront in a covered Captains Launch.

The Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour is held annually during the last weekend in June. Narrated tours take visitors through restored and under-restoration private homes, gardens and other local attractions. An antique car show is also held the same weekend. The tour starts at the Beaufort Historical Association at 138 Turner; tickets are $16 in advance, $20 at the door.

The Beaufort Music Festival, +1-252-728-0707, [13]. Free admission. Comes to town for one weekend in April/May, featuring musical groups on several performance stages in town.

The nine-mile-long island of Shackleford Banks is home to the locally-famous Shackleford Ponies[14], the descendants of horses that reportedly swam ashore from a sinking Spanish ship in the 16th century. Today, the horses are endangered, but can be seen on cruises to the island for around $22 (adults).

The Rachel Carson Estuarine Research Reserve[15] is a sanctuary covering 2,675 acres on a string of islands on the Taylor Creek, between Beaufort and Shackleford Banks. The reserve is also home to marine laboratories from the three main Research Triangle universities, conducting marine research and education. Features a half-mile interpretive trail highlighting the reserve's native flora and fauna, and special features. Shackleford ponies often swim across to the islands for food. The reserve can be reached by private boat from Beaufort.

Discovery Diving Company, 414 Orange Street, +1-252-728-2265, [16]. The shipwrecks in this area make Beaufort an appealing spot for scuba diving; charter trips are available for $60 - $110 plus equipment rental, and the company also offers classes in various types of diving (including nighttime and cavern diving), emergency rescue and underwater photography.

Eat

Blackbeard's Grill and Grog, 1644 Live Oak St, +1-252-728-3335, [23]. Open for lunch and dinner M-Sa from 11am-10pm with a late night menu on Friday and Saturday from 10pm-2am. Free Delivery. Delicious daily specials. Offers only local seafood, fresh cut steaks, and sushi. Family friendly atmosphere. Unique Grog cocktails. Exciting nightlife every weekend.

Clawson's 1905 Restaurant, 425 Front Street, +1-252-728-2133, [25]. Open for lunch and dinner M-Sa. Formerly a general store at the turn of the 20th century, now an award-winning restaurant famous for their mud pie. Offers seafood, steaks, pasta and "dirigibles" - large potatoes stuffed with vegetables, cheese, and meat or seafood.

Drink

The Sandbar Restaurant and Tiki Bar, 232 W Beaufort Road, +1-252-504-7263, restaurant and tiki bar. Open daily for lunch and dinner; closed Sundays during the off season. Great views enable diners to watch the fishing boats and spectacular sunsets in the Caribbean-style outdoor bar. Live bands perform on weekends.

Sleep

The very nature of Beaufort is sort of anti-giant-chain-hotel; instead, the town has several quaint bed-and-breakfasts and vacation rentals for visitors who are looking for a little something special to complete their stay.

Carteret County Home B&B, 299 Highway 101, +1-252-728-4611, [29]. 10 rooms. A county home dating from 1914, and Beaufort's only bed and breakfast listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Kitchenette with fridge, complimentary breakfast (juice, fruit, yogurt, warm muffins and bagels, tea and coffee), complimentary wine, two gas grills, croquet, darts and an old piano. Guest bicycles available. $85 - $105.

The Cedars by the Sea, 305 Front Street, +1-252-728-7036, [30]. 12 rooms. Built around 1768, internationally recommended and awarded the title of one of North Carolina's Ten Best Inns. Private baths, antique tubs and fireplaces. $130 - $180.

Delamar Inn Bed and Breakfast, [31]. 4 rooms. Built in 1866 and considered by many to be Beaufort's most authentic historic bed and breakfast. Antique guest rooms, three common sitting areas, an upper and lower porch, an English courtyard garden and a complimentary continental breakfast. $88 - $124.

Langdon House Bed and Breakfast, 135 Craven Street, +1-252-728-5499, [32]. 4 rooms. Built in 1733 with first and second floor porches, a parlor and landscaped gardens. A two-course full breakfast is served in the morning, including fresh fruit, Belgian waffles and stuffed French toast. $78 - $115 off-season, $88 - $125 peak season.

Taylor's Creek Cottage, 113 Queen Street, Beaufort, NC 28516, ☎(252) 838-1495, [4]. Hotels in Beaufort NC, Places to stay in Beaufort NC, Bed and Breakfast Beaufort NC, Taylor's Creek Cottage is a charming vacation rental with all of the modern amenities you could desire. Spacious rooms and close to the local boardwalk.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!